Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Namangan, the State Security Service (SSS) of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with law enforcement agencies, has uncovered and neutralized an underground cell connected to the international terrorist organization Islamic State – Khorasan Province.

As part of a special operation, searches were conducted at the residences of 16 members of the group. Material evidence was seized, including 37 mobile phones, 51 copies of religious literature without publisher information, 40 DVD discs, four flash drives, as well as a laptop and a tablet.

According to the investigation, the group was organized by a resident of Davlatabad district. During regular clandestine meetings, members actively promoted the ideology of international terrorist organizations. Propaganda materials were distributed among the participants, calling for “jihad” and martyrdom.

The group’s organizer created multiple virtual channels and chats on Telegram, with a total audience of over 120 people. These platforms were used to systematically post extremist materials, including audio and video content of a radical nature, along with the symbols of the banned organization.

The chats also served as venues for discussions with subscribers and the dissemination of calls to raise youth in the spirit of jihadist ideology, to adhere to Sharia law, and to oppose government reforms in the political, social, and religious spheres.

Investigators determined that the radicalization of the organizer began after undergoing religious instruction in a “hujra” (clandestine religious circle) operating in Istanbul in 2022. Upon returning to Uzbekistan, the woman adopted an extremist worldview. Attempts by her family to intervene and influence her beliefs were unsuccessful—she even accused her own father of infidelity, labeling him a “kafir” (non-believer).

Of particular concern is the fact that one of the group’s members turned out to be the founder of a private higher education institution in Namangan.

Criminal cases have been initiated against the organizer and three active participants. All four have been placed in pre-trial detention. Investigative actions concerning the remaining individuals are ongoing.